Philippine Ambassador to Thailand H. E. Mary Jo A. Bernardo-Aragon led the Philippine Embassy in its active participation at the 52nd Diplomatic Red Cross Charity Bazaar organized by the Thai Red Cross Society under the Royal Patronage in collaboration with the fifty plus foreign missions in Bangkok. The bazaar was held at the Royal Paragon Hall of the Siam Paragon Shopping Centre in Bangkok on 2-3 March 2019. The Opening Ceremony was presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who is also the Executive Vice President of the Thai Red Cross Society.

Three (3) Philippine companies namely Thai Liwayway Food Industries, Goldilocks and Vogue Living Centre, which are based in Thailand, occupied the Philippine booth to sell their products. Other fundraising activities participated by the Embassy include purchase of raffle tickets, donation of raffle prizes, and donation of Philippine food to the Bazaar’s International Booth, where the donated foods were sold to the public. Post donated 2 medium sized – “bilao” of “biko”, one of the most popular Filipino rice cakes.

In addition, the Embassy also showcased the “Royal Maguindanao” dances such as “Panglay, Silong Sa Ganding, Vinta, Kapamalong- Malong”, which were performed at the stage inside the venue by St. Theresa International College Cultural Dance Troupe, a Filipino group in Bangkok whose members and teacher are natives of Mindanao.

The 2019 Diplomatic Red Cross Charity Bazaar was not only a fundraising event, it was also an opportunity, for its visitors and participants, to experience the culture of the participating countries, and at the same time take part in supporting the charitable projects of the Red Cross benefitting the needy and the underprivileged.

 Philippine Ambassador H. E. Mary Jo A. Bernardo-Aragon stands at the booth where Philippine companies based in Thailand promote and sell their products at the Philippine booth during the Diplomatic Red Cross Charity Bazaar held on 2-3 March 2019 at the Royal Paragon Hall at the Siam Paragon Mall, a favourite shopping complex and entertainment center in Bangkok. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Presided over the opening ceremony of the event.

Aside from setting up the Philippine booth, the Embassy also participated by showcasing the “Royal Maguindanao” dances such as “Panglay, Silong Sa Ganding, Vinta, Kapamalong- Malong”, which were performed at the stage by St. Theresa International College Cultural Dance Troupe, a Filipino group in Bangkok whose members and teacher are natives of Mindanao. 

Above picture shows the crowd watching the stage performances of the Filipino group. Behind the white wall is where all the booths of all participating countries are located.